How do I handle my pregnancy at work?

You don't say how far along you are but I would certainly stay away from working at a pet store because of the pets/ticks/infections they may have that might hurt the baby. Also, if you already know the job will require lifting that much it would be unfair to the manager as they'll have to go through the hiring process once you quit. As for how to handle your pregnancy with co-workers that's a tough one. Have you thought about temping until you have the baby and then looking for a full-time permanent job? That would take care of the co-workers and you would not have to tell them you are not keeping the baby. Good luck!

You have some really good points, thanks for the advice. It's tough, because I am applying to literally every job I'm qualified for, I can't really afford to be picky. I know that hiring me could be inconvenient for an employer, but I NEED a job, I need any job I can get. I'm lucky that I have money from my tax return for rent for a couple months, but I need a job quick.

Do they offer check out jobs? The standing on your feet isn't ideal, but at least you aren't lifting. I found nannying was ideal for me, if you have a good background check and some babysitting experience. You might look into that. Then you can work up until you give birth and the boss is more understanding since they probably went through pregnancies. (Single dad and adoptive situations, probably not, but many women have the sympathy.)

This is a tough one. It is illegal to fire you because you are pregnant or because you have a baby. But on the other hand, if you know in a month or two you will not be able to perform the duties of a job that you apply for, that's dishonest IMO. On the other hand (you do have more than two hands right ;) ) you need employment.How far along are you? My dr has told me that for a woman with a healthy pregnancy, she doesn't recommend lifting more than 30 pounds. Lifting heavy objects above your head is not a good idea as your balance while pregnant can be off (I actually fell lifting something I shouldn't have been yesterday) and if you accidentally drop what you're lifting, you don't want it hitting your belly on the way to the ground.Are there any pregnancy resource centers in your area? We have one here and they help pregnant women and help them hook up with social services available in the area. Are you getting prenatal care? You should qualify for medicaid at least until the baby is born.As for how to deal with questions from coworkers, try not to worry about it right now. Focus on getting into the position where you have coworkers first :)What about getting the phone book out and calling local businesses to see if they need any help with data entry or something like that...something that you could be paid for based on completing a project. Or what about house cleaning? Or maybe can you contact some churches in your area and see if they would be willing to hire you to clean or do clerical work?Sorry I'm not more help :(

I haven't read all of the other posts, and I'm not sure where you live, but if you have a Publix in your area they will hire expectant mothers ( i was hired on when I was 6 months) Good luck, make sure to check with companies that really stress equal opportunity,

They cannot ask you and you do not have to disclose that you are pregnant. They also typically will have some sort of maternity plan where you can come back to work after you have recovered. If you don't want to disclose you are pregnant, there is no reason to unless it will directly affect your ability to perform your job and then its more of an ethical reason than a requirement.

You do not have to tell a potential employer that you are pregnant. Women did that for years and were discriminated. In fairness, you should probably mention it when you are offered the job. "Thanks for the offer. I'm so excited. I do have something that I need to tell you..." They may want to rescind the offer, but that is illegal. When you have the baby, unless your employer has less than 50 employees, you will be covered for unpaid time off through the Family Medical Leave Act. It's more of a moral dilemma. But there's a reason pregnant women are protected. If you need the job...get the job first, and then disclose. I'm in HR. We sigh when something like this happens, but we do understand.

Isn't she also not covered under FMLA if she has not worked 1250 hours in the last year? So if she has a new job and hasn't worked 1250 hours before the birth of the baby, she could be terminated?

What state are you in? CA has Pregnancy Disability leave and it doesn't matter how long you have been employed. You are eligible for about 16 weeks of unpaid time off of work and your position or something equivalent is guaranteed. Employers with 5 or more employees have to comply. This is in CA but I don't know about other states.

I faced a similar choice. I had been laid off and was looking for another job when I found out I was pregnant. I then also found out that if I made anymore money I would loose my health insurance. It was a very tough situation. Then my boyfriend left and I couldn't keep my apartment alone because I didn't have the income to do so. The agency that I went through stepped in and I lived in a very nice apt in sunny Orange County. It was such a blessing to have a nice place to live not having to worry about work and mostly not having to deal with awkward family and friend questions. Also living with my housemate was amazing because she and I were going through the same thing. You are making a very unselfish choice and hopefully things get better. Working in a pet store would concern me as you really shouldn't be around cat feces as it can carry a deadly bacteria that your baby can't fight off called toxoplasmosis.